Musical holder accessory

ABSTRACT

A bottle holder is provided which includes a MP3 player or other high fidelity device that is used to play-back recorded content. In one embodiment, a standard baby bottle can be used with the invention in connection with playing recorded content while a baby is feeding. In another embodiment, the bottle holder includes an activation switch triggered by a bottle position change. The bottle holder can be constructed of a stretchable and conformable cloth material.

BACKGROUND

A bottle-fed baby generally takes comfort in sucking on the nipple of a baby bottle. This experience is made more pleasant to the child in connection with the child hearing its mother's voice. Alternatively, a soothing message, song, etc. played while the baby is drinking from a bottle will likely give comfort to the baby during feeding. When the mother cannot administer the bottle to the baby, baby feeding can become problematic. In instances of premature birth, mothers and newborns may be separated for a significant period of time. In these precious times, mothers are not allowed to hold their babies. Consequently, possibly two or three months time of deep attachment between the mother and child can become lost. Moreover, when a song or other audible content that a baby is used to hearing during bottle feeding is not available, the feeding experience becomes less desirable. A need exists to create a mechanism for baby bottle feeding that will allow the play back of high fidelity sounds which will help build the bond between mother and child. Further, a need exists to create a mechanism for baby bottle feeding that will allow the play back of high fidelity sounds familiar to a baby in connection with feeding.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention a bottle holder is provided with a play-back mechanism capable of producing high fidelity sounds.

In another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention a switch is provided to activate the play-back device in connection with a change of position of a baby bottle inserted within the bottle holder.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention the bottle holder and baby bottle are integrated into a single unit.

In another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention the bottle holder is constructed from a stretchable and conformable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of play-back related circuitry which includes and is associated with a play-back device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a typical standard-sized baby bottle inserted within a container, according to one aspect of the invention, through the container's mouth.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a spring switch mechanism which can represent a pressure activated switch, mercury switch, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of baby bottle which integrates elements of the bottle holder shown in FIG. 1 and the baby bottle shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bottle holder which shows another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a convention drinking vessel which can be used with the invention, particularly with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Applicable reference numerals have been carried forward.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides a bottle holder which will especially assist in baby feeding. The invention includes a play-back device which can play a variety of recorded messages, sounds, music, etc. In one aspect of a preferred embodiment, the play-back device is capable of playing MP3-formatted recorded information.

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of one aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Bottle holder 1, illustrated in FIG. 1, includes container 2 which is large enough to accommodate the insertion therein of at least a standard-sized baby bottle through container mouth 4. For ease of illustration, FIG. 1 shows container 2 as being tapered down in cross-section area from container mouth 4 to base 6. However, in one aspect of its preferred embodiment, container 2 maintains a nearly constant cross-sectional area at its mouth through to base 6. In one aspect of a preferred embodiment, container cap 3 includes threads (not shown) on its underside which engage reciprocating threads on container 2 (not shown) for the purpose of securing a baby bottle (not shown) within container 2. Ridges 5 provide finger grips by which cap 3 can be screwed onto container 2.

Preferably within base 6 or alternatively, attached to container 6 is play-back device 8. In one aspect of a preferred embodiment play-back device 8 is an MP3 player, although a digital audio player, smart card reader, flash memory reader, etc. are also contemplated as play-back device 8. Content for these devices can be recorded on a smartmedia card, a SIMs card, a single in-line memory module, etc.

The players outlined above and in particular, the MP3 player, offer a high degree of accurate voice and music content reproduction. As such, the MP3 player is considered a high fidelity device which is capable of reproducing sounds which would be very recognizable by a baby. An MP3 player is also very desirable due to its lightweight and compact size. These features make the MP3 player well suited for use with the invention particularly in connection with use with a baby.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of play-back related circuitry 9 which includes and is associated with play-back device 8. Preferably, circuitry 9 can be located inside and/or within the vicinity of base 6. Circuitry 9 includes power source 10 connected to switch 12. Power source 10 powers play-back device 8 and drives speaker 14. In one embodiment of the invention, play-back device 8 includes input jack 11 which enables play-back device 8 to download files such as MP3 formatted files directly via plug-in to a computer, such as a personal computer or to a device for which an Internet connection exists.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a typical standard-sized baby bottle 14 inserted within container 2 through mouth 4. Baby bottle 14 includes baby bottle cap 16 and nipple 18 which is removably inserted through cap hole 20. Cap 16 typically includes threads (not shown) on its underside which engage reciprocating threads (also not shown) on bottle 14 for sealing liquid within bottle 14 by means of cap 16. A baby draws liquid from nipple 18 through nipple hole 20 using suction applied by mouth. When container cap 3 secures a baby bottle within container 2, container cap 22 rests against lid 17 of baby bottle cap 16. The fact this embodiment of the invention works in conjunction with a standard baby bottle provides many advantages. For instance, this embodiment dispenses with any need to purchase specialized bottles to use with bottle holder 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a switch mechanism 30 which can represent a pressure activated spring switch, mercury switch, etc. Mechanism 30 activates play-back device 8, to cause play-back of the recorded message, song, etc., in connection with the release of pressure from switch mechanism 30 or the change in position of liquid-filled bottle 14 with respect to a reference position in connection with moving bottle 14. Switch activation of this type allows power saving in operating play-back device 8.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of baby bottle 32 which integrates elements of bottle holder 1 shown in FIG. 1 and baby bottle 14 shown in FIG. 3. Play-back device 8, as described above, is located within base 6 and preferably contains a switch mechanism such as switch 30 in FIG. 4. Preferably, base 6 is detachable from the liquid holding portion of bottle 32. The detachable feature can be accomplished by reciprocating snaps (not shown) adjoining the base and bottle portion. Baby bottle cap 16 including lid 17 hold baby bottle nipple 18 in connection with a flanged base (not shown) on nipple 18 being pressed against lid 17 and the opening (not shown) of baby bottle 32 as is the case with a standard baby bottle.

In one aspect of a preferred embodiment, the recorded message is a recording of the voice of the mother of the baby using the bottle. Such a voice would have a soothing and comforting effect upon the baby. As such, the invention can provide great benefit to a child especially when the child's mother is not present.

In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the recorded message is a song.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of bottle holder 1 which shows another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Container 2 is preferably made of a stretchable material such as Lycra® which will readily conform to the dimensions of a bottle inserted into container 2 through zipper 40. Nipple 18 of standard-sized baby bottle 14 will readily fit through hole 42 in container 2 to allow baby feeding. Circuitry 9 of FIG. 2 can be a self-contained electronic unit that can removably be placed within pocket 44 which is preferably lined with an insulative material such as plastic. Access to pocket 44, through which circuitry 9 is removably placed, is accomplished in connection with opening pocket flap 46. Circuitry 9 is secured within pocket 44 by means of button clasp 48 which detachably locks on to a corresponding structure (not shown) located on container 2. Advantageously, container 2 can be easily cleaned upon removal of circuitry 9 from pocket 44. For instance, container 2 can be hand washed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Rather than entry of a bottle through zipper 40 as shown in FIG. 6, a bottle can be placed within container 2 through hole 42 which elastically opens and closes by virtue of the stretchable Lycra® from which container 2 is made. Nipple 18 of bottle 14 shown in FIG. 3 can further be secured within container 2 using and tying draw strings 50.

In addition to a holding a baby bottle, the foregoing bottle holder can hold a bottle of the user's choice such as a training cup, a carbonated drink container, a sports drink container, etc. FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a convention drinking vessel 60 which can be used with the invention, particularly with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Vessel 60 can be inserted within container 2 via zipper 40 of FIG. 6 or hole 42 of FIG. 7. Deformable straw 64, which is divided into several digits 66, extends through a hole (not shown) in a cap 62 for holding a liquid within vessel 60. Tip 68 is used to seal straw end 70 in connection with using clasp 69 which is connected to tab 72. Straw 64 can fit through hole 42 of FIGS. 6 and 7.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A bottle holder comprising: a shell, for enclosing a bottle, capable of being hand-held; a cap being adapted to receive said shell; a base connected to said shell; a play-back device, capable of playing an MPEG1 Audio Layer III audio file, located in said base; and a speaker, connected to said play-back device, located in said base.
 2. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 which further comprises a rechargeable battery, located within said base and connected to said play-back device, for operating said play-back device.
 3. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said cap is capable of securing a baby bottle located within said shell between said cap and said base and wherein said cap includes a hole for receiving a bottle nipple.
 4. A bottle holder as recited in claim 3 wherein said shell includes threads and said cap further includes reciprocating threads for receiving the threads of said shell, said threads of said cap being capable of engaging said threads of said shell in screw-on alignment.
 5. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said play-back device is capable of receiving medium upon which an MP3 audio file is recorded.
 6. A bottle holder as recited in claim 1 which further comprises a switch within said base for activating said play-back device so as to sound audio information recorded in said audio file.
 7. A bottle holder as recited in claim 6 wherein said switch is actuated in response to the force of gravity.
 8. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a voice according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing the recorded voice on a play-back device connected to a baby bottle holder in conjunction with placing a baby bottle in said baby bottle holder.
 9. A method as recited in claim 8 wherein said portable medium is selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia™ card, a SIMs card, a single in-line memory module.
 10. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a song according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing the recorded song on a play-back device connected to a baby bottle holder in conjunction with placing a baby bottle in said baby bottle holder.
 11. A method as recited in claim 10 wherein said portable medium is selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia™ card, a SIMs card, a single in-line memory module.
 12. A bottle comprising: a shell, for holding a liquid, capable of being hand-held and including an aperture at one end; a cap being adapted to receive said shell at said aperture; a base connected to said shell; a play-back device, capable of playing an MPEG1 Audio Layer III audio file, located in said base; and a speaker located in said base.
 13. A bottle as recited in claim 12 which further comprises a rechargeable battery located within said base for operating said play-back device.
 14. A bottle as recited in claim 12 wherein said cap is capable of sealing said shell to contain a liquid located between said cap and said base and wherein said cap includes a hole for receiving a bottle nipple.
 15. A baby bottle as recited in claim 12 wherein said shell includes threads and said cap further includes reciprocating threads for receiving the threads of said shell, said threads of said cap being capable of engaging said threads of said shell in screw-on alignment.
 16. A bottle holder as recited in claim 12 wherein said play-back device is capable of receiving medium upon which an MP3 audio file is recorded.
 17. A bottle as recited in claim 12 which further comprises a switch within said base for activating said play-back device so as to sound audio information recorded in said audio file.
 18. A bottle holder as recited in claim 17 wherein said switch is actuated in response to the force of gravity.
 19. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a voice according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing the recorded medium on a play-back device connected to a baby bottle.
 20. A method as recited in claim 19 wherein said portable medium is selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia™ card, a SIMs card, a single in-line memory module.
 21. A method of preparing a baby bottle comprising: recording a song according to a MP3 format on a portable medium; and playing the recorded medium on a play-back device connected to a baby bottle.
 22. A method as recited in claim 21 wherein said portable medium is selected from the group consisting of a smartmedia™ card, a SIMs card, a single in-line memory module.
 23. A bottle holder comprising: a cloth enclosure being capable of enclosing a bottle, said enclosure having a hole at one end; a pocket attached to said enclosure; a play-back device, capable of playing an MPEG1 Audio Layer III audio file, and a speaker connected to said play-back device; said play-back device and said speaker being capable of being removably located within said pocket.
 24. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 wherein said play-back device includes an input jack through which a MPEG1 Audio Layer III audio file can be received.
 25. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 wherein said cloth is made of a stretchable and conformable material.
 26. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 which further includes a zipper in said cloth enclosure.
 27. A bottle holder as recited in claim 23 wherein said enclosure is capable of receiving a bottle selected from the group of bottles consisting of a training cup, a carbonated drink container, or a sports drink container. 